The proposed bill would amend current election statutes by expanding the selection pool for hand count audits to include both precincts and voting centers. Specifically, it would require that at least two percent of the selected locations for the hand count audit can be either precincts or voting centers, as opposed to only precincts as stipulated in the current law. Additionally, the bill mandates that the unofficial vote totals from all voting centers must be made public prior to the selection of locations for the hand count audit. The hand count audit is also required to commence immediately after the selection of these locations.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the timeline for conducting hand counts, stipulating that they must begin within 24 hours after the completion of tabulation for early ballots, in addition to the existing requirement for election day ballots. It also clarifies that the hand counts must be completed before the canvassing of the election and that results must be made publicly available on both the county's and the Secretary of State's websites. The bill includes technical and conforming changes to ensure consistency with these new requirements.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-602
House Engrossed Version: 16-602